Case comprising a handle

ABSTRACT

A case comprising a handle is provided. In one embodiment, the case may include a wheeled luggage case wherein at least a portion of the handle extends substantially over at least one of the centroid and center of gravity of the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/813,952, filed on Apr. 19, 2013, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cases, particularly wheeled cases such as luggage cases, can bedifficult to maneuver. Often, luggage cases are pushed or pulled on twoor four wheels via a handle extending from, and substantially alignedwith, a side of the luggage case. Because the handle is offset to oneside of the luggage case, pushing or lifting the luggage case via thehandle is difficult, as the luggage case will naturally move toward itscenter of gravity.

What is needed is a luggage case with a handle oriented more centrallyover the centroid or center of gravity of the case or the case's storagearea.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: a bodyportion comprising a centroid; and a handle comprising a grippingportion, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extendsabove the centroid.

In another embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: acentroid; a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one handlemember; and a first frame member; wherein the first frame member isoperatively connected to the handle; and wherein at least a portion ofthe gripping portion extends above the centroid.

In another embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: a bodyportion; a lid operatively connected to the body portion, a handle; anda first frame member; wherein the first frame member is operativelyconnected to the handle; wherein at least one of the lid and the firstframe member comprises at least one closure mechanism; and wherein theat least one closure mechanism is configured to engage at least one ofthe first frame member and the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses,systems, and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various exampleembodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 100 in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of case 100 in a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevation view of an example arrangement ofa case 300.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front perspective view of an example arrangementof a case 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 504.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 704.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 804.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 904.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 1004.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1100 in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example arrangement of case 1100 in a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 100 in a firstconfiguration. Case 100 may include a body portion 102 and a handle 104.Handle 104 may comprise a first elongated handle member 106, a secondelongated handle member 108 and a gripping portion 110. Case 100 mayadditionally comprise a tray 112, at least one wheel 114, a lid 115, andat least one closure mechanism 116.

Case 100 may comprise any device configured to store items, including astorage case, a luggage case, a carry-on luggage case, a computer case,a lockable security case, and an instrument case. Case 100 may beconfigured with appropriate size, weight, and structural integrityconsiderations for use as a luggage case for checked or carry-on luggagefor air travel.

Body portion 102 may comprise a substantially hollow containerconfigured to store items. Body portion 102 may comprise any of avariety of materials, including one or more of a metal, an alloy, acomposite, a polymer, a natural textile, a synthetic textile, or anotherorganic material. Body portion 102 may comprise any of a variety ofshapes, including substantially a cube, a cuboid, a sphere, and acylinder. Body portion 102 may comprise rounded edges for at least oneof ergonomic, aesthetic, and safety purposes.

In one embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially flexible and mayact as soft-sided luggage. In another embodiment, body portion 102 issubstantially rigid and may act as hard-sided luggage. In oneembodiment, body portion 102 comprises an external frame, which maymaximize internal storage volume. In another embodiment, body portion102 comprises an internal frame.

In one embodiment, at least one of case 100 and body portion 102comprises a centroid, which is defined as the geometric center of abody. In another embodiment, at least one of case 100 and body portion102 comprises a center of gravity, which is defined as the point throughwhich the sum of gravitational forces on a body is considered to act.

Handle 104 may comprise any of a variety of materials, including one ormore of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a polymer, or another organicmaterial. In one embodiment, handle 104 is configured to extend from oneedge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, handle 104 isconfigured to extend from any part of body portion 102. In anotherembodiment, handle 104 is configured to extend from two or more edges ofbody portion 102. In one embodiment, at least a portion of handle 104extends over at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case100 and body portion 102. In another embodiment, at least a portion ofhandle 104 extends directly above at least one of the centroid or centerof gravity of case 100 and body portion 102.

In one embodiment, handle 104 extends up from a corner of body portion102, along a first edge of body portion 102, across body portion 102,and down to a point substantially centrally oriented on a second edge ofbody portion 102. In one embodiment, body portion 102 is a cuboid havingtwo long edges and two short edges, and the first edge of body portion102 and the second edge of body portion 102 are the long edges of bodyportion 102.

In one embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable. In anotherembodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable in height to allow auser to select the desired height of handle 104. In another embodiment,handle 104 is vertically adjustable to two or more positions. In anotherembodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable to an infinite number ofpositions bound between an upward-most position and a downward-mostposition. In another embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable toa downward-most position, where handle 104 may be stowed for minimizingthe size of case 100. In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises anadjustment mechanism which may be locked or unlocked to allow for thevertical adjustment of handle 104.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises at least one elongated handlemember, such as a first elongated handle member 106 and a secondelongated handle member 108. In one embodiment, the at least oneelongated handle member is telescoping. First elongated handle member106 and second elongated handle member 108 may extend downwardly into achannel, a tube external to body portion 102, a tube internal to bodyportion 102, or a compartment of body portion 102. In one embodiment, atleast one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongatedhandle member 108 extend downwardly into a first frame member (notshown) and a second frame member (not shown). First elongated handlemember 106 and second elongated handle member 108 may comprise any of avariety of cross-sectional shapes, including for example a circle, asquare, an oval, a triangle, and any other regular or irregular polygonshape.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises at least one handle member. Inanother embodiment, handle 104 comprises an elongated handle member,such as elongated handle member 106 or 108. In one embodiment, thehandle member is fixed. In another embodiment, the handle member is aretractable elongated handle member that is retractable into bodyportion 102. In another embodiment, the handle member is a telescopingelongated handle member. In another embodiment, the elongated handlemember is a rope or cable configured to allow a user to lift and/ormanipulate case 100. In another embodiment, the elongated handle memberis any member configured to allow a user to lift and/or manipulate case100.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises a gripping portion 110. Grippingportion 110 may comprise a substantially right angle shape asillustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, gripping portion 110 may comprisea substantially circular, sweeping, or angular shape. In one embodiment,gripping portion 110 incorporates an adjustment mechanism such as atrigger, knob, switch, lever, or button configured to allow for thevertical adjustment of handle 104. In one embodiment, gripping portion110 is ergonomically designed to fit the hand of a human. In anotherembodiment, gripping portion 110 may include enhanced gripping surfacesto increase the comfort or purchase of a user's grip.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of gripping portion 110 extendsover at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case 100 andbody portion 102. In another embodiment, at least a portion of grippingportion 110 extends directly above at least one of the centroid orcenter of gravity of case 100 and body portion 102.

Handle 104 and gripping portion 110 may be used to pull case 100 on oneor more wheel, push case 100 on one or more wheel, lift case 100,manipulate case 100, or carry case 100.

In one embodiment, case 100 comprises a tray 112. Tray 112 may compriseany of a variety of materials, including one or more of a metal, analloy, a composite, a polymer, or another organic material. In oneembodiment, tray 112 is oriented on the upper-most portion of bodyportion 102. In another embodiment, tray 112 is oriented on the top ofbody portion 102.

In one embodiment, tray 112 comprises a ridge or lip extendingsubstantially about the periphery of tray 112. In one embodiment, tray112 comprises at least one of: a cup holder, a void configured to acceptat least a portion of gripping portion 110, and a void configured toaccept at least a portion of a user's hand. In another embodiment, tray112 includes a void configured to accept gripping portion 110, such thatgripping portion 110 at least substantially fills in the void to createa substantially flat surface in tray 112. In another embodiment, tray112 includes a void configured to accept a least a portion of a user'shand as a user grips gripping portion 110 and lowers gripping portion110 to its lower-most position. In another embodiment, tray 112comprises a substantially planar surface configured to support a foodplate, book, magazine, laptop computer, or tablet computer. In anotherembodiment, tray 112 comprises at least one divider. In anotherembodiment, tray 112 comprises a pocket.

Case 100 may comprise at least one wheel 114. In one embodiment, atleast one wheel 114 extends from body portion 102 on a plan below thecentroid of at least one of case 100 and body portion 102. In oneembodiment, case 100 comprises one wheel 114, which is orientedsubstantially below at least one of the centroid of case 100 and thecenter of gravity of case 100. In another embodiment, case 100 comprisesat least two wheels 114. In one embodiment, at least two wheels 114extend from body portion 102 on a plane below the centroid of at leastone of case 100 and body portion 102. In one embodiment, case 100comprises four wheels 114. In another embodiment, four wheels 114 extendfrom body portion 102 on a plane below the centroid of at least one ofcase 100 and body portion 102.

In one embodiment, case 100 is configured to be operated on at least onewheel while being tilted, similar to a hand truck. In anotherembodiment, case 100 is configured to be pushed or pulled on at leastone wheel. In another embodiment, case 100 is configured to be operatedon more than two wheels while substantially maintaining contact betweenthe wheels and a surface, similar to an automobile. In anotherembodiment, case 100 comprises more than one wheel and case 100 isconfigured to be operated either on one wheel or more than one wheel.

In one embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is a swivelwheel. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 isfixed and cannot swivel. In another embodiment, at least one of at leastone wheel 114 is neither fixed nor swivels. In another embodiment, atleast one of at least one wheel 114 may be selectively switched betweena swivel operation and a fixed operation. In another embodiment, atleast one of at least one wheel 114 is retractable, for example, intobody portion 102. In another embodiment, at least one of at least onewheel 114 is retractable into a frame portion of case 100. In anotherembodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is foldable, forexample, into body portion 102 or a frame portion of case 100.

In one embodiment, one or more wheel 114 is operatively connected to abrake mechanism (not shown). The brake mechanism may be configured to atleast partially arrest the rolling and/or swiveling of at least one ormore wheel 114. In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises adevice configured to physically interfere with a tread portion, a spokeportion, or an axle portion of wheel 114. In another embodiment, thebrake mechanism comprises a flip lever on at least one wheel 114. Inanother embodiment, the brake mechanism may comprise a lever on handle104 configured to be actuated to activate the brake mechanism. Inanother embodiment, the brake mechanism may comprise a foot switch onbody portion 102 or at least one wheel 114, the foot switch beingconfigured to be actuated to activate the brake mechanism.

In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises the retraction orfolding of at least one wheel 114 such that the lower-most portion ofbody portion 102 comes into contact with the floor, ground, or othersurface upon which case 100 may travel. Contacting the lower-mostportion of body portion 102 with the floor, ground, or other surface maycreate a friction force capable of at least partially arresting themotion of case 100.

In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises contacting at least oneof first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member108 with the floor, ground, or other surface upon which case 100travels. In this embodiment, at least one of first elongated handlemember 106 and second elongated handle member 108 extend through theentire height of body portion 102, such that when handle 104 is in itslower-most position, the lower-most end of first elongated handle member106 and/or second elongated handle member 108 comes into contact withthe floor, ground, or other surface, at least partially arresting themotion of case 100. Likewise, when handle 104 is raised, at least one offirst elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108is removed from contact with the floor, ground, or other surface. In oneembodiment, the lower-most end of at least one of first elongated handlemember 106 and second elongated handle member 108 comprises a cleatconfigured to increase friction between the lower-most end and thefloor, ground, or other surface. The cleat may comprise any materialwith a high friction coefficient, including for example a rubber.

In one embodiment, case 100 comprises a lid 115 operatively connected tobody portion 102. In another embodiment, lid 115 is connected to bodyportion 102 via one or more of a hinge, a fabric, or other flexiblematerial. In one embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially cuboidal,and lid 115 makes up an entire edge of body portion 102 or a portion ofan edge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, body portion 102 issubstantially cuboidal, and lid 115 makes up at least a portion of morethan one edge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, body portion102 is substantially cuboidal, and lid 115 makes up about half of bodyportion 102. In one embodiment, at least one wheel 114 is oriented onthe bottom of lid 115, on the same or similar plane as the remainingwheels 114.

Case 100 may comprise at least one closure mechanism 116. Closuremechanism 116 may comprise any of a variety of closure systems,including for example, a latch, a zipper, a strap, a hook and loopfastener, a pin, a bolt, a magnet, an adhesive, a snap, or a belt. Inone embodiment, closure mechanism 116 is configured to be lockable tohelp prevent unauthorized access to the contents of case 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of case 100 in a secondconfiguration. Case 100 may include body portion 102 and handle 104.Handle 104 may comprise first elongated handle member 106, secondelongated handle member 108, and gripping portion 110. Case 100 mayadditionally comprise tray 112, and at least one wheel 114. Handle 104is illustrated in a retracted position.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example arrangement of case 300. Case 300 mayinclude a body portion 302 and handle 304. Handle 304 may comprise afirst handle member (not shown) and a second handle member (not shown).Case 300 may comprise at least a first frame member 307 and a secondframe member 309. Case 300 may additionally comprise a tray 312, and atleast one wheel 314.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 maybe substantially hollow. In one embodiment, at least one of first framemember 307 and second frame member 309 are substantially tubular. In oneembodiment, first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 aresubstantially coaxial with a first handle member (not shown) and asecond handle member (not shown), respectively. In another embodiment, afirst handle member is configured to extend at least partially withinfirst frame member 307. In another embodiment, a second handle member isconfigured to extend at least partially within second frame member 309.In another embodiment, first frame member 307 is a first handle member.In another embodiment, second frame member 309 is a second handlemember.

In one embodiment, first frame member 307 is operatively connected tohandle 304. In another embodiment, second frame member 309 isoperatively connected to handle 304.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 maybe operatively connected to additional frame members (not shown). In oneembodiment, at least one of first frame member 307 and second framemember 309 are operatively connected to at least one of wheel 314,handle 304, and tray 312.

In one embodiment, second frame member 309 is oriented substantiallycentered on a first edge of case 300. In another embodiment, first framemember 307 is oriented substantially at or near an intersection of asecond edge of case 300 and a third edge of case 300. In anotherembodiment, first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 areoriented on substantially opposite sides of at least one of a centroidof case 300 and a center of gravity of case 300.

In one embodiment, gripping portion (not shown) extends substantiallyfrom the first edge of case 300 to the third edge of case 300. Inanother embodiment, gripping portion (not shown) extends substantiallyacross the centroid of case 300 from a first side of case 300 to asecond side of case 300. In another embodiment, gripping portion (notshown) extends from the first edge of case 300 substantially over thecentroid of case 300.

Case 300 may comprise a lid 315 connected to body portion 302 via atleast one hinge (not shown). In one embodiment, lid 315 is operativelyconnected to body portion 302. As illustrated, lid 315 may be opened toreveal an interior volume 320. Lid 315 may comprise at least one closuremechanism 316 configured to selectively arrest the motion of lid 315relative to body portion 302. In one embodiment, at least one closuremechanism 316 is configured to engage at least a portion of first framemember 307. In another embodiment, first frame member 307 comprises atleast one closure mechanism (not shown), and the at least one closuremechanism is configured to engage at least a portion of lid 315.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 maybe configured to perform one or more of the following roles: (1) providea channel within which a first handle member may extend; (2) provide achannel within which a second handle member may extend; (3) providestructural integrity to case 300; (4) provide a locking point for atleast one closure mechanism 316.

Case 300 may comprise at least one secondary handle 324. Secondaryhandle 324 may be utilized to pick up or carry case 300.

Handle 304, shown in a retracted position, may include one or more ofbrake mechanism 326. Brake mechanism 326 may include the lower-mostportion of first elongated handle member 306 and/or second elongatedhandle member 308. In one embodiment, brake mechanism 326 is operativelyconnected to at least one of first frame member 307 and second framemember 309.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example arrangement of case 300. Case 300 maycomprise at least a first frame member 307 and a second frame member309.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 404 having a firstelongated handle member 406, a second elongated handle member 408, and agripping portion 410.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 504 having a firstelongated handle member 506, a second elongated handle member 508, and agripping portion 510.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 604 having a firstelongated handle member 606, a second elongated handle member 608, and agripping portion 610.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 704 having a firstelongated handle member 706, a second elongated handle member 708, and agripping portion 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 804 having a firstelongated handle member 806, a second elongated handle member 808, and agripping portion 810.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 904 having a firstelongated handle member 906, a second elongated handle member 908, and agripping portion 910.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 1004 having a firstelongated handle member 1006, a second elongated handle member 1008, anda gripping portion 1010.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1100 in a firstconfiguration.

Case 1100 may comprise a body portion 1102 and a handle 1104.

Handle 1104 may comprise a lower elongated handle member 1106 and anupper elongated handle member 1108. At least one of lower elongatedhandle member 1106 and upper elongated handle member 1108 may beconfigured to telescope to adjust the height of handle 1104. In oneembodiment, at least one hinge element connects lower elongated handlemember 1106 and upper elongated handle member 1108 such that one canhinge relative to the other.

Handle 1104 may comprise a gripping portion 1110 oriented at the top ofupper elongated handle member 1108. In one embodiment, upper elongatedhandle member 1108 comprises multiple upper elongated handle members1108, with gripping portion 1110 oriented between the multiple upperelongated handle members 1108. Gripping portion 1110 may be oriented toextend above the centroid or center of gravity of at least one of case1100 and body portion 1102.

Case 1100 may comprise at least one wheel 1114 attached to body portion1102. Case 1100 may also comprise a lid 1115 operatively connected tobody portion 1102.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example arrangement of case 1100 in a secondconfiguration, wherein handle 1104 is in its retracted position andupper elongated handle member 1108 is rotated into contact with bodyportion 1102.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1200. Case 1200includes a body portion 1202 and a handle 1204. Handle 1204 may comprisean upper elongated handle member 1208 and a gripping portion 1210,wherein gripping portion 1210 extends above at least one of the centroidor center of gravity of at least one of case 1200 and body portion 1202.Case 1200 may comprise a tray 1212, at least one wheel 1214, and a lid1215 operatively connected to body portion 1202.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1300. Case 1300comprises a body portion 1302 and a handle 1304.

Handle 1304 may comprise a handle member 1308 and a gripping portion1310. In one embodiment, handle member 1308 extends from case 1300 atany point on case 1300, wherein gripping portion 1310 extendssubstantially above the centroid of body portion 1302. In anotherembodiment, handle member 1308 extends substantially vertically from apoint on body portion 1302 substantially above the centroid of bodyportion 1302.

Case 1300 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1314 oriented ona plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1302.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1400. Case 1400comprises a body portion 1402 and a handle 1404.

Handle 1404 may comprise at least one handle member 1408 and a grippingportion 1410. In one embodiment, at least one handle member 1408 extendsfrom case 1400 at any point on case 1400, wherein gripping portion 1410extends substantially above the centroid of body portion 1402. Inanother embodiment, at least one handle member 1408 extendssubstantially vertically from a point on body portion 1402 on a planesubstantially above the centroid of body portion 1402. In oneembodiment, at least one handle member 1408 comprises at least twohandle members 1408, wherein a first handle member 1408 is oriented on afirst side of body portion 1402, and a second handle member 1408 isoriented on a second side of body portion 1402.

Case 1400 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1414 oriented ona plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1402.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1500. Case 1500comprises a body portion 1502 and a handle 1504.

Handle 1504 may comprise a handle member 1508 and a gripping portion1510. In one embodiment, handle member 1508 extends from case 1500 atany point on case 1500, wherein gripping portion 1510 may extendsubstantially above the centroid of body portion 1502. In anotherembodiment, handle member 1508 extends substantially vertically from apoint on body portion 1502 substantially above the centroid of bodyportion 1502.

Handle member 1508 may comprise a non-rigid apparatus, such as a rope,cable, or chain having tensile strength configured to allow a user tolift and/or manipulate body portion 1502.

Case 1500 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1514 oriented ona plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1502.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intendedto refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatusmay activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component asis necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that theterm “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims,it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. To the extent that the term“substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it isintended to mean that the identified components have the relation orqualities indicated with degree of error as would be acceptable in thesubject industry. As used in the specification and the claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, wherethe term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended toinclude ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments havebeen described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

1. A case, the case comprising: a body portion comprising a centroid;and a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one of: atelescoping elongated handle member, a retractable elongated handlemember, and an elongated handle member, wherein at least a portion ofthe gripping portion extends above the centroid.
 2. The case of claim 1,further comprising at least one wheel extending from the body portion ona plane below the centroid.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the handleis vertically adjustable.
 4. The case of claim 1, further comprising acenter of gravity, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portionextends above the center of gravity.
 5. The case of claim 1, furthercomprising a first frame member, wherein the first frame member isoperatively connected to the handle.
 6. A case, the case comprising: acentroid; a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one handlemember; and a first frame member; wherein the first frame member isoperatively connected to the handle; and wherein at least a portion ofthe gripping portion extends above the centroid.
 7. The case of claim 6,wherein the at least one handle member is a telescoping elongated handlemember.
 8. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle memberis a retractable elongated handle member.
 9. The case of claim 6,wherein the at least one handle member is an elongated handle member.10. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member extendsat least partially within the first frame member.
 11. The case of claim6, wherein the at least one handle member is coaxial with the firstframe member.
 12. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handlemember is the first frame member.
 13. The case of claim 6, furthercomprising a second frame member operatively connected to the handle.14. The case of claim 13, further comprising a first edge, a secondedge, and a third edge, wherein the first frame member is substantiallycentered on the first edge, and wherein the second frame member isoriented at an intersection of the second edge and the third edge. 15.The case of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portionextends substantially from the first edge to the third edge.
 16. A case,the case comprising: a body portion; a lid operatively connected to thebody portion, a handle; and a first frame member; wherein the firstframe member is operatively connected to the handle; wherein at leastone of the lid and the first frame member comprises at least one closuremechanism; and wherein the at least one closure mechanism is configuredto engage at least one of the first frame member and the lid.
 17. Thecase of claim 16, further comprising a second frame member operativelyconnected to the handle.
 18. The case of claim 17, further comprising afirst edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first framemember is oriented at an intersection of the second edge and the thirdedge, and wherein the second frame member is substantially centered onthe first edge.
 19. The case of claim 16, wherein the body portioncomprises a centroid, and wherein at least a portion of the handleextends above the centroid.
 20. The case of claim 17, wherein the bodyportion comprises a centroid, and wherein at least a portion of thehandle extends from the first frame member, above the centroid, to thesecond frame member.